Honeysuckle Syrup?

[HomesteaderWife]

Followed the rest of the instructions through about a half an hour ago. It hasn't gotten really syrupy in consistency yet, but smells and looks so nice!

 

[baymule]

Have you tasted it?

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@baymule- I have not yet tasted it. I put it in the fridge after letting it set out and it still, unfortunately, has remained liquid-like and not like syrup. I may need to re-do this and try and let it boil a bit longer, because it has not gotten the right consistency.

The pleasant smell is not as strong now after being strained and mixed with the syrup. It's supposed to be good to flavor teas and coffees though so I'll try it once I get it to be like syrup instead of water.

EDIT: A few hours later after being in the fridge, it's starting to set up nicely and turn out right. SO, I have a volunteer or two to try some with me! I believe I am going to make some hot tea and add a teaspoon to it. I picked too large of a jar (a quart) but I believe it would fit in a pint jar (since it holds two cups and this came out slightly less than two cups). Also, I sent an email over to Ball canning company, Jarden Home Brands, inquiring about preserving it. Here's what they wrote back today:
"We are unable to provide any canning guidelines for Honeysuckle Syrup as there are not any tested and approved recipes to process the syrup. We will be sharing your recipe request with our culinary team so that they are aware of your interest. We recommend enjoying the syrup fresh or freezing it."

 

[Zeedman]

With all of the rain we've been having, my lawn is full of violets - hundreds of them. A neighbor on my street has been harvesting the flowers to make a syrup. She gave me a half-pint; it is deep blue, and has a very interesting flavor.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

So the honeysuckle syrup is VERY sweet- I tried a bit of it! A dash of it in coffee or tea would add a little sweetness and flavor.

@Zeedman - Violet syrup sounds more unique thank honeysuckle syrup! Wow!

 

[Nyboy]

I think a old member used to make violet sugar

 

[baymule]

I guess I need to transplant some honeysuckle to a protected spot, since the sheep ate all they could find...... And I have violets growing wild out in the woods, but once we finish the fence, they'll be gone too, so better move them!

 

[baymule]

I never transplanted any honeysuckle. But the fence rows around here are covered with honeysuckle. Yesterday we picked a bunch of the vine branches and brought them home. In the comfort of my recliner, with a big bowl for the blossoms and a wash pan for the vine branches, I picked off the flowers.

I got 8 cups of blossoms. I simmered them last night and put the pot in the refrigerator. I strained them today and added 4 cups of sugar. I boiled the syrup and sealed it up in jars. Once opened, it must be refrigerated. I got 13 half pints and 2 pints.

Our grand daughter #1 is allergic to antibiotics, so I am exploring herbals. My goal is an extensive herb garden. Honeysuckle is antiviral and antibacterial. It is good for coughs, strep throat, flu, pneumonia and many other benefits. The flowers, leaves and bark may be used. The berries are toxic.

 

[Nyboy]

I can remember sucking on the flowers as a kid. I bet its medical use was why my grandmother let it stay in her tiny city yard

 

[flowerbug]

I guess I need to transplant some honeysuckle to a protected spot, since the sheep ate all they could find...... And I have violets growing wild out in the woods, but once we finish the fence, they'll be gone too, so better move them!

i'd like to rent your sheep to eat all of ours... it spreads too easily and Mom keeps planting more. doesn't matter that it makes me sneeze! arg! lol it's going to be a ***tch to remove all of it if i stay, but i just don't like it and would much rather have blueberry or cherry bushes instead along that area...